How to Deal with a College Roommate Who's Being Difficult

For many people, one of the realities to be dealt with when going to college is to move out of the house and into a college dorm or apartment. Sure, some find it quite exciting that they are going to be away from their parents and experience college living on their own, but what happens when they get stuck with a roommate who is hard to handle?

Roommates come in all different walks of life, and some are quiet, tidy, and kind, while others may be high, shabby and intolerable. If you have difficulty managing your college roommate, for whatever reason, so read on to find out how to make peace, get along and live a happy and harmonious relationship.

Find out what your roommate does that pushes your buttons

The first step to deal with a difficult roommate is to find out why you think your roommate will be difficult. Remember that different people from different backgrounds, so what is annoying or unbearable that you can be perfectly fine for others (your roommate). Do you get annoyed by the dirty linen tossed about the room? Are you upset that your roommate always plays loud music or have friends over? Is your roommate just plain obnoxious? The sooner you find out what is bothering you, the sooner you will be able to confront the problem and find a way to solve it.

Keep an open mind about the situation and be willing to compromise

Now that you have a good idea of what exactly is bothering you, it's time to put some more thought into the matter. Try to be fair in your assessment of your roommate, because you just might be a little too fussy or your expectations of your roommate can be a tad too high. In other words, you think too much about your own needs and desires without keeping an open mind toward your roommate needs. Think of areas where you're willing to compromise with your roommate. Maybe you would not have anything against people tonight that you're working or on weekends. Make a list of some of the compromises you are willing to do and try to be fair to your discernment.

Approach your roommate and negotiate

There will come a time when you will probably have to confront your roommate about the issues that bothers you. When you do, be kind, considerate, and gentle. It would not help anything if you threw a tantrum, which goes beyond every little thing that your roommate does. Remember, you can be roommates for a long time, so it is important to be diplomatic about the situation. Try not to make your roommate feel as if you attack him or her. Explain your position, what you have problems, and express that you are willing to compromise if necessary.

Here are some additional tips that may help:

- Setting timetables for visiting hours, days and times.

- Agree on schedules for the use of bathroom, kitchen, entertaining guests, etc.

- Try not to be the head of your roommate because your roommate also deserves his own privacy.

- Offer alternatives that you can think of and be open to alternatives that your roommate also presents.

- If the worst comes to worst, talk to your resident adviser about how you can handle the situation and if there is a possibility to switch spaces (or roommates).